Dear Parishioners,
Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel: “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” What a powerful statement of love. We hear these same words through the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The priest stands,
in persona Christi
or “as Christ” when he says, “I absolve you of all your sins…”
The priest is NOT forgiving the sin, only God may do that. And, God does will us to do just that when we express our desire to be reconciled. The power of God to make whole and holy – to carry us back to wholeness, is expressed especially in this wonderfully healing sacrament of God’s merciful presence.
Jesus calls the paralytic his “child,” which is a mark of tender love. Today, acknowledge before God that sometimes you are “childish” in your approach to many things in life. Allow the feeling of being the “child of God” to fill your mind, heart and soul today. What a difference in our approach and stance before God. This is the feeling of wholeness and holiness.
Be assured of our prayers for you each day as we continue our journey together and apart.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
